Sebastian—Sab, as Lily insisted on calling him—stood in the cafeteria line, gripping his tray with both hands. The noise was overwhelming. The students talking over each other, the clatter of trays and utensils—it was nothing like home. Not that home was much of anything.

He scanned the room and spotted Lily and Adam at their usual table. Lily was waving at him, her usual mischievous grin in place, while Adam gave him a smaller, more patient nod.

Carefully, Sab weaved through the crowd, his steps unsure as he approached. He was still getting used to school, to everything, really.

“Hey, Sab!” Lily greeted as he sat down, immediately grabbing a fry from his tray.

“Oh—um—hello,” he said, watching her steal his food. He hesitated before adding, “I… think that was mine.”

Lily smirked. “Finders, keepers.”

Adam sighed. “You literally have your own fries.”

“Yeah, but his taste better.”

Sab blinked, looking between them. “They… do?”

Adam gave him a look of sympathy. “No, she’s just messing with you.”

“Oh.” Sab nodded, though he still wasn’t sure if that meant she was lying or not. He was still learning about jokes.

Lily took another fry, and Sab, despite knowing he should probably tell her to stop, just let it happen. He’d never really had friends before—he figured maybe this was normal?

“So, how’s life as a real person?” Lily asked, popping another fry into her mouth. “Still weird?”

Sab tilted his head. “I… was always a real person.”

Adam nearly choked on his water. Lily burst out laughing. “Oh my god, you’re adorable.”

Sab flushed. “I—I don’t—” He fumbled for words, adjusting his glasses nervously. “I just meant—I existed before, too.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it.” Lily grinned, resting her chin on her hand.